Building research capacity on the Rez: An interinstitution collaborative effort

Background: The Little Priest Tribal College (LPTC) and the College of Public Health at University of Nebraska Medical Center (COPH-UNMC) partnered to develop a 3-credit hour course, “Indigenous Research Methods.” Objectives: The objectives were to increase LPTC students’ understanding of research methods, awareness of urban and tribal health issues affecting American Indian communities, and create a pipeline program to increase diversity of the health-related workforce by expanding health career options for tribal college students. Methods: The course was co-led by an LPTC and a COPHUNMC instructor with guest lectures by COPH-UNMC faculty using distance education and on-site presentations. Results: Eight out of 10 students completed the course that was well received by both institutions. This mode information transfer and pedagogical exchange between minority serving institutions and an academic health center, geared toward enhancement of undergraduate curriculum, can be replicated in other contexts.